The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs produced a tireless defensive performance in the second half to secure a 14-12 victory in Aiden Tolman's 250th NRL match.
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The Hat Head product celebrated the milestone in front of more than 60 family and friends, who have contributed to Aiden's journey.
Aiden's father Mark was full of praise for the Bulldogs, who invited family members into the sheds prior to kick off.
Mark was full of emotions and couldn't help but reminisce when he presented his son with his gameday jersey.
"It was a really special occasion. It made me think back to all of the memories, all of the little things that happened to lead up to that moment, especially because Aiden was from the country," Mark told the Argus.
"It's not just family and friends who helped get him to the milestone. It's the local footy club, the coaches, the ladies in the canteen and everyone else who helps keep rugby league alive in the country.
"It was quite emotional. Not many players get to reach 250 NRL games and no one plans to do so when they start out."
The Bulldogs went into the contest with the Cronulla Sharks as long shots to claim victory, but the Canterbury-Bankstown players rallied to cause an upset.
The Bulldogs' performance was a reflection of Aiden's character, as the players worked tirelessly for one another and held off numerous attacking raids in the second half.
"It was such a resilient performance from Aiden's Bulldogs teammates to get the win in his incredible milestone game," Aiden's mother Patricia said.
"It was very memorable and quite emotional to be there in the stands with family and friends."
Aiden produced a remarkable play in the final two minutes of the game with his side leading by two points, which epitomised his entire career.
Sharks' Jack Williams had cleaned up a Bulldogs attacking kick and sprinted 90 metres down field before he was cut down by a covering tackle from Marcelo Montoya five metres short of the try line.
On the following play, the Sharks went wide and Aiden, who had sprinted back into the defensive line, was defending against halfback Chad Townsend, who opted to put a grubber kick into the Bulldogs' in-goal area.
Instead of giving up on the play after the kick, the Smithtown Tigers junior ran across for cover and after the ball rebounded off legs, Aiden was there to fall on the loose ball and prevent a try.
"That play sums him up to a tee," Mark said.
"Whenever someone is in an attacking position or if someone has made a break, he will be there chasing. It's the one per centers and it's what he has built his career on.
"He hasn't scored many tries but he has saved plenty."
The Bulldogs held onto their two point advantage and Mark claims it made the day even sweeter.
"It was great to cap off a special day with a win," Mark said.
Aiden's family were treated to a corporate box earlier in the day and were given prime position seats for the match.
"The Bulldogs really looked after us," Mark said.
"We had the best seats in the house. Right at the halfway line and in a great position to be able to see the whole field."
Mark also expressed his gratitude to the Macleay Valley community.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support people have given us," he said.
"We have been stopped on the street by people who have said they have followed his whole career and that they are proud of the man he is and that he represents this region so well."
The Bulldogs have a bye for round 16 but they return to action against the Knights on Friday July 12.
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